nestled in a cross-shaped plan, these duplex houses in uruguay boast striking visual rhythms

‘murillo 1665’ by santiago fernandez and candida tabet 

‘Murillo 1665’ is the result of an ongoing collaboration between Uruguayan architect Santiago Fernandez and Brazilian architect Candida Tabet. Nestled amid a wooded context in Montevideo, Uruguay, the project reveals five identical, 200 sqm duplex volumes arranged in a cross-shaped plan, generating a compelling rhythm whereby each house boasts a distinct look from different vantage points. Additionally, by adopting this unique layout, the duo has encouraged minimal interference in the existing landscape, keeping the site’s majestic trees safe and adjacent to each duplex.all images © Reinaldo Cóser

corrugated volumes overlooking a lush wooded context 

The shed-style roofing of ‘Murillo 1665’ and the emphasis on ethically responsible outdoor living with landscaped gardens bore out of a visit to Carrasco, Montevideo. There, Fernandez (see more here) and Tabet (see more here) noticed a solid architectural identity, established in the first half of the 20th century, oozing simplistic beauty and soul. Responding to those impressions, the duo designed each duplex with alternating wooden and corrugated gray sheeting facades complemented by white plaster, glass, and native vegetation.

The living and dining rooms are set on the ground level, where an exterior wooden paneled volume encases the kitchen and laundry areas. Outside, the lush trees provide a cooling canopy for a patio sporting a BBQ grill as the hero feature. The patio floor is clad in repurposed stones, maintaining the architects’ commitment to responsible and sustainable design.

The TV room, meanwhile, sits beside the central volume hosting a powder room and stairs that lead to the second floor, where three suites connect via a mezzanine-style family room. There, a double-height glazed wall dramatically frames the lush outdoor landscape while providing cross ventilation for day-long fresh air. Finally, for thermal insulation, the architectural team utilized double glass panels with solar protection, coupled with wood or corrugated sheeting on the facades, purposely leaving a gap between the steel frame.

‘Murillo 1665’ features five 200 sqm duplex houses laid out in a cross-shaped plan 

Since 2000, Estudio Santiago Fernandez and Candida Tabet Arquitetura have realized residential, commercial, and institutional projects worldwide, creatively combining architecture, interior, and design. The project development starts with a study of its environment and its historical perspectives, allying experience and innovation that leads to the research of materials to exceed conventional use.

The studios have projects built in Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, the United States, and Lebanon.

double-height glazing complemented by wood or corrugated sheeting 

shed-style roofing 

a central fireplace overlooking the backyard

emphasizing the corrugated texture at nighttime

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project info:

name: Murillo 1665

location: Montevideo, Uruguay

architecture: Estudio Santiago Fernandez, Candida Tabet Arquitetura 

lead architects: Santiago Fernandez, Candida Tabet 

team: Victoria Ferri, Gonzalo Berrutti, Agustina Capurro and Carolina da Mata

metallic structure: MTA Ingenieria
steel frame: Premier Drywall
iron and concrete structure: Magnone-Pollio Ingenieros
aluminum carpentry: Alufran
hydraulic installation: Mariana Caceres
electrical and lighting installation: Leticia di Fabio

lighting: Trios Lighting

landscaping: Rosario Algorta 
photography: Reinaldo Cóser